Race-fueled complaints filed against Lebanon School District

3 separate complaints are being investigated

Federal investigators are taking a closer look at a Greater Cincinnati school district.The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is investigating racial discrimination made by parents against Lebanon City Schools.

Federal investigators are taking a closer look at a Greater Cincinnati school district.

The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is investigating a complaint made by parents against Lebanon City Schools.

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WLWT News 5 investigative reporter Todd Dykes spoke with one of the parents who filed a complaint, and she said she is happy outside investigators are trying to get to the bottom of her claims.

According to one complaint, Heather Allen, the mother of two biracial children who attend Lebanon schools, said her kids have been the targets of race-based bullying and racial slurs.

Allen said in August a high school student called her son a slave. Then in September a junior high student posted a video on social media where “extreme racial slurs were used.”

Allen said at the beginning of the school year her son noticed a racial slur carved into the boy’s bathroom. And most recently, Allen said a junior high student used Instagram to post a racially-charged image accompanied by offensive language.

Two other parents have also filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Officials said all three of the complaints will be investigated together.

Allen’s attorney said he is pleased the case is moving forward and he is hopeful the DOE will come up with remedies to address claims of racism by concerned parents.

Dave Lampe, an attorney for the school district, said since the investigation is ongoing he couldn’t talk about specific allegations. He did say the district plans on cooperating with the investigation.

Dykes said Lampe told him the school district is conducting its own independent investigation into at least two of the complaints.

District leaders said they are still trying to find out more details about the third complaint.